A new life in the Gulf Coast is the beginning of dreams

PACE, Fla.—A little celebration after passing a big exam isn’t exactly rare, but passing the ACT—the American College Testing college admissions exam—on the first try in the same year you learn the English language might call for a little extra cheer.

Noralyz Ayala, Yazmin Torres and Gyleshika Moreno-Rodriguez are three high school students who moved from Puerto Rico to Pace, Fla., where they are learning not only English, but a whole new culture.

“These three girls have been working really hard,” said teacher and ESOL Resource Specialist, Kirti Colvin. “We are so proud of what they have accomplished.”

That is why she felt compelled to do something special for the girls.

“We asked them what food they missed most from Puerto Rico,” added Pace High School principal Stephen Shell, “and they all shouted ‘mofongo!’”

A short phone call later, Joe Perez, owner of Joe’s Caribe restaurant started planning a special meal for the three complete with India Malta and Kola Champagne and a basket of sweet treats to take home.

Perez delivered the carefully prepared individual boxes to the school on May 1. Colvin and Shell were also treated. La Costa Latina was invited to document the surprise celebration lunch.

“This right here is the reason why we do what we do,” Perez said to the trio as they spooned into the food he prepared. “Yeah, we want to succeed in business and have nice things, but seeing a younger generation set ambitious goals…that’s what it’s all about. We’re all very proud of you, and we want you to know that.”

The girls say they have found a comforting kinship in each other. When talking amongst themselves, they speak Spanish with the Puerto Rican accent that appears to bind them.

Their closeness appears to also be drawn by their sense of determination. Ayala says she wants to be an accountant, Torres a veterinarian and Rodriguez a nurse. Moreno- Rodriguez will graduate this month coincidentally along with Perez’s son, Malik. Each of the girls also says their respective families are encouraging them to be guided by their natural abilities.

“My grandfather always told me that I was good with numbers,” Ayala said. “He is still in Puerto Rico and has Alzheimer’s now. He doesn’t remember me anymore,” she explained through a polite and delicate smile.

Ayala left the island after Hurricane Maria and has clear memories of surviving the storm. Torres and Rodriguez did not experience the storm, but all three are preparing themselves for personal adventures of life. Conquering a difficult exam like the ACT has boosted their confidence needed to make their dreams realities.